Rideau Lakes is just the ticket for an accessible-friendly day trip. With shops, community spaces, memorable dining options and even an accessible trail, it’s a great place to plan an accommodating afternoon.
For your convenience, places that are functionally accessible in addition to fully accessible locations have been listed so that you can plan ahead.
ELGIN
The Tipped Ship
A delightful emporium! Located in a heritage building in Elgin’s core, The Tipped Ship has a ramped entrance off the main sidewalk. The owner wil cheerfully open the double doors as needed. Although this heritage building is not outfitted with automatic doors, several visitors have commented that both the shop and washroom are functionally accessible for people in wheelchairs or with mobility issues. The shop home to curios, essentials, locally-sourced delectables and gems from farther away. Browse away an afternoon here!
Stoodley’s Patio
This signature restaurant in Elgin has a paved patio and ample space to accommodate for lunch or dinner. Entry from the sidewalk is narrow and decoratively roped off from the street, so the staff will gladly welcome you through the pathway with some advance notice. The patio is open in the warmer months and patrons are able to sit there while enjoying take out from the restaurant, or have a full service meal. The patio is licensed for those who wish to enjoy a beverage from the bar.
Elgin Lions Hall and Elgin Community Hall
Rideau Lakes Public Library
Red Brick School
Elgin’s Red Brick School is a one-room brick structure in Halladay Street dating back to the 1880s that is easily identified by its construction of red brick with yellow brick corner detailing. The Elgin and Area Heritage Society is active within the school, welcoming students, community groups and the public to learn about life as a student and teacher in years gone by in the heritage classroom on certain occasions. The ramp at the side of thsi heritage bulding provides access into the a shourt hallway that passes the kitchen and into the main exhibit space. The society activley researches and provides many thought-provoking and educational displays on local history, including storyboards around the village and exhibits within the Red Brick School setting to further showcase the rich history of the Elgin community.
If needing any provisions along the way, Gordanier Freshmart and Elgin Drugs are both barrier free, as well! Gordanier’s has an old fashioned deli counter and on site butcher to get the freshest cuts for your all-season barbeques.
PORTLAND
Emmanuel Heritage Centre
Hanna Park
Recess Café
Portland Pharmasave
FORFAR
Sunflower Bake Shop at the Forfar Dairy
This bakery at the Forfar Dairy exceeds expectations with freshed-baked breads, specialty sourdough and treats daily, as well as meals and scooped ice cream! Stop by to indulge in savoury or sweet treats, as well as cheese and gourmet goods to make a perfect charcuterie.
CROSBY
Crosby Cookhouse
NORTH CROSBY
North Crosby Community Centre
Wolfe Springs Resort
Foley Mountain Mobility Trail
MORTON
No. 9 Gardens workshops
Morton Community Hall
This busy and active community hall is the place to be for everything from seniors activities to makers markets to concerts! This hall is fully accessible with ramped entry and recently updated washrooms. Watch the township event page or Morton Hall’s own Facebook page for upcoming events.
DELTA
Millstream Park
CHAFFEYS LOCK
The Opinicon
Chaffey’s Lock Community Hall
This bustling hall sees lots of activity with music, events, potlucks, group meetings and more! The ramped entrance, one level interior and newly-renovated accessible washrooms make it a great place to plan to attend. The concerts here are well attended and the cozy ambiance of an evening show, with the twinkle lights strung above the hall, is blissfully memorable. The hall is operated by volunteers through the Chaffey’s Lock and Area Heritage Society.
Did you know that by 2025, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act outlines all organizations serving the public will be required to comply with laws created to ensure access to their premises? The Township of Rideau Lakes has established an accessibility advisory committee (AAC) to assist the township in promoting and facilitating universal accessibility in Rideau Lakes for citizens of all abilities. The committee is made up of residents of Rideau Lakes along with a council member. More information can be located on the township website at www.rideaulakes.ca.
With centuries of hospitality radiating from its businesses and local landmarks, Rideau Lakes has everything needed for an unforgettable and welcoming accessible-friendly day trip.
